Researchers claim to have developed a way to get a GPS position fix indoors, which might let shoppers' cell phones tell them about products in front of them, or help parents locate their children in malls.

In May, we told you about Freescale Semiconductor's two-legged robot (FSLBOT) and controller board that lets engineers, students, and even hobbyists experiment with the robot's four servos and many sensors. Here's an update.

A fast-moving robot can perform acrobat-like flips mimicking the movements of cockroaches and geckos, which could help it become a model for small, highly mobile search-and-rescue robots to assist first responders.

A swimming robot that faithfully mimics human motions better than previous attempts could help produce more streamlined swimsuits, improve the performance of competitive swimmers, or serve as an aid in physical therapy.

Featured Video

THE DRIVE TO FLEXIBLE AUTOMATION

THE DRIVE TO FLEXIBLE AUTOMATION

With today’s trend toward high mix, low volume manufacturing, the need for more flexible and smarter automation is paramount. This video by National Instruments explores how the combination of robotics, measurements and vision can help boost productivity.